Teenage Suicide: Prevention Essay Example

Many teens face stress and confusion, along with family problems. When you factor in hormones, body changes and pressures from school and families it is understandable why teenage suicide is the third cause of death in the age group from 14 to 24. “Four thousand lives are lost each year due to suicide Males have a much higher rate and comprise 80 percent of these grave statistics. However, attempted suicides greatly outnumber suicides.” Because males often choose more violent methods in their attempts, they are often more successful. But females may attempt suicide more often than males. In 2009, 6.3% of high school students (grades 9-12) attempted suicide. Of those, 8.1% were female, 4.6% were male.”(Webb MD)
Teenage risk factors are many. They need to be taken very seriously. They are eating disorders, sexual abuse, history of rape, being bullied, guilt, end of a romantic relationship, mental illness in the family such as depression or bi-polar, divorce, abandonment by a meaningful adult, gender confusion substance abuse and lack of acceptance of peers. This also increases when families have a history of suicide. Early recognition can save the love of someone.
When a teen is thinking of suicide there may be symptoms. They may come on very slowly so as not to obvious. Teens are notorious for hiding things from their parents. Some behaviors that indicate things are progressing to warrant immediate intervention are: excessive sleeping, mania, social withdrawal, lack of interest in surroundings, personal appearance decline, excessive weight loss, rebellion, running away, serious decline in school performance.
There are 3 ways to prevent suicide. They are Primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary is prevention and it is based on screening, education, assessment, evaluation of any high risk situations or individuals. Secondary is intervention and it is based on accessing treatment for the disease state. This might be medication, psychotherapy, psychological and